Stupid question about giving a toddler new toys

[fleacircus]

DD's birthday is around Christmas so she hasn't really had much since then - she's 19mths now so most of her toys are now a bit young for her and she's not that interested in them. The only new things she's had since Christmas are a (naked - I haven't got round to doing the clothes yet) rag doll and a cooker made out of a cardboard box; she really likes pretending to change the doll or put it to bed (in her toy basket, under an old felt square) and making dinner with the cooker, and she homes in on that kind of 'let's pretend' stuff at groups, so we decided to get her a few things to go with what she's got.

Anyway, we ordered her a teaset, some play vegetables and some 'dairy' stuff, I've just unpacked it (she's out with DP) and it looks like a lot all at once. I want her to enjoy it but I'm wondering if it might overwhelm her, if I'd be better off giving it bit by bit over the next few days. But then I don't want her to get the idea she gets new things all the time - and also we're about to have another baby so were planning to get her some trucks/diggers/cars as a present from the baby. I know I sound like an idiot, that's because I am - what would you do, non-idiots?

[MIAonline]

Just give her them, she is too young for you to worry about it yet, though I understand where you are coming from. You are not an idiot!

It is a problem at this age if Christmas and Birthdays come together as they soon move on with their toys. What is suitable for a 1 year old, isn't as good for a 20 month toddler.

Just give her them and enjoy watching her!

[purepurple]

I am with you, children don't need lots of toys.
I work in a nursery and I have seen first hand the joy children get from just ordinary things.
On Thursday it rained all day and we couldn't get outside.
But the toddlers made their own spiderweb with a ball of wool, it was so funny watching them getting all tangled up.
Then we had a snowball fight with some cotton wool balls, which everyone enjoyed.
Then I put a huge bit of paper on the floor, gave them all a pot of crayons each, and they scribbled away to their heart's content.
I would suggest that you give her 2 of the plates, cups etc. Just enough to make tea for her and you, or a doll etc.
Less is more when it comes to toys.
Also, plastic food can be substituted for real foo, potatoes etc, or lolly sticks or playdough or even things like duplo bricks.

[fleacircus]

Thank you - I think I'm over-thinking everything at the moment in the manner of a loopy pregnant woman!

[MIAonline]

purepurple, saw you quoted in magazine this week

[purepurple]

really, Mia?
what did I say?

[MIAonline]

Will be cryptic, don't want to out you too much! It is a magazine that has a forum, linked to your job. Unless someone else has your MN nickname.

[purepurple]

I know the forum you mean, I post there quite a lot.
Nobody at work knows my nickname
What was I quoted on?

I don't read the magazine.

[MIAonline]

It was a thread called 'positive thoughts' about using the forum as a positive place to unload, you were saying that you love your job, but need a moan and don't want to bore your husband all the time.

When I read it, I thought I recognise that name from MN!

[purepurple]

Yes DH gets that glazed look when i start having a moan about work.
I do love my job, I just wish it paid me more money. I deserve more money . I am bloody good at my job and i don't do it for the money.

[MIAonline]

Will look out for you in future magazines and try and let you know when your words are in print

Sorry fleacircus for hijacking your thread, you sound like a lovely Mummy btw.

[purepurple]

thanks mia
sorry fleacircus for the hijack, agree with mia, you sound like a fantastic mum

[UniS]

bring them out when they are needed- either to extend her play or to help fill a rainy afternoon.Some Things can always go away again, so toys get rotated a bit and are " fresh" rather than that old thing from the bottom of the toy box.